UTTRAKHAND A BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
Once the part of northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand came into existence on November 9, 2000. Earlier known as Uttaranchal, the state was renamed as Uttarakhand recently on the approval of the state assembly.

Situated in the north east of the country, Uttarakhand is bounded by the mighty Indian Himalayas and shares its international borders with China and Nepal. Uttarkkhand is boundaried by the states Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, of Indian Republic. Dehra Dun is the capital city of the state, other important place are Mussoorie, Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Blessed with natural wonders like lofty peaks, shimmering lakes and streams, lush dense forests, pleasant climate, numerous adventure sport destinations and important Hindu pilgrimage centres, Uttarakhand draws visitors from all over the world. Visit the beautiful state to get a close look of nature and its marvellous wonders.

Uttarakhand People and Culture : People of Uttarakhand are known as Garhwali and Kumaoni or also referred as ‘Pahari’, meaning the people of the mountains. About 90 per cent of the state population is Hindus, rest of the population include people following Islam, Buddhism or other religions. Garhwali is the main language of Uttarakhand, Hindi is also used extensively in almost all the parts of the state.

Uttarakhand region’s age old art, crafts, dance and music has alwa ys remained a major attraction for visitors. Often considered as the heartland of Hindu culture, the culture of Uttarakhand presents a fine blend of exoticism as well as philosophy. A number of festival are celebrated in the state all through the year. Some of the famous festivals include Makar Sankranti (Ghughutia), Basant Panchami, Phooldei, Harela, Batsavitri and Ganga Dusshera. Uttrakhand also celebrates major Indian festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Christmas.

Several religious fairs are also held in Uttarakhand that include Kumbh Mela / Ardh Kumbh Mela (Haridwar – evert 12th /6th year), Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela (Almora), Gauchar Mela (Chamoli), Baisakhi (Uttarakashi), Maga Mela (Uttarkashi), Uttaraini Mela (Bageshwar), Vishu Mela (Jaunsar Vavar), Peerane-Kaliyar (Roorkee), and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra held every 12th year.

Uttarakhand Wildlife : From the foothills of the Great Himalayas to its sn ow-clad mountains, the landscape of Uttarakhand is home to a wide variety of wildlife and avian species. Set in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, Uttarakhand is bestowed with a luxurious expanse of forest. In Uttarakhand the alpine and deciduous forests run from its snow-covered peaks to the Shivalik foothills. Uttarakhand’s numerous wildlife sanctuaries and parks, offer the nature lovers an abundance of animal and plant life and breathtakingly picturesque landscapes. Some of the prominent wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand include Corbett National Park (Kumaon), Nanda Devi National Park (Chamoli District), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (Chamoli Dist), Valley of Flowers (Garhwal), Rajaji National Park and Assan Barrage Wetland (Dehradun).

Uttarakhand Natural Wonders : Uttarakhand holds many natural enchant ments, even for the seasoned traveller within its mystic mountains. Uttarakhand has several picturesque hill stations that include Nainital, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Ranikhet and Almora. The state is home to mighty glaciers, shimmering lakes and beautiful hill stations. The famous glaciers of the state are Pindari, Milam, Gangotri, Khatling, Sundar Dhunga, Dukhroni, Chetrangi and Jumdar. The glaciers creep down from the mountains to the rock-studded valleys, carrying with them leftover snow and form a stream of solid ice. Uttarakhand has a number of sparkling lakes namely Sahastratal, Sattal, Bhimtal, Nachketatal, Kadaktal, Bhadarsartal, Kakbushandital and Vasukhital.


Uttarakhand Adventure: Raging rivers, little known un-explored trekking routes leading into the dense forests teeming with wildlife and snow-clap mountains, Uttarakhand comes close to any adventure enthusiasts dream. About 90 percent of the state’s area is rugged and mountainous, and hence offer ideal conditions for adventure sports like trekking, kayaking, skiing and rafting. Usually the adventure season in Uttarakhand extends from September to June and the state has no shortage of facilities for those who want to ride the waves or the slopes. On the whole, the state boasts a competent base of reliable adventure outfits.

Uttarakhand Pilgrimage : Whether you are looking to align your chakras, c hant your way to tranquility or visit the country’s important holy shrines, all signposts point toward, Uttarakhand. The Great Himalayas, are a land of magic and kingdom of gods. Most of Uttarakhand holy sites are set at an altitude of some 10,000 ft above sea level. Travellers usually start their journey to Uttarakhand pilgrimage sites in April and complete the pilgrimage by Deepawali in November.

The sources of river Ganga and Yamuna is the setting for some of Uttarakhand’s holiest shrines, especially the famous Chardham pilgrimage circuit. Chardham comprises the pilgrimage points of Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. Your journey of faith starts at Haridwar that lead further to Rishikesh. From Rishikesh move towards Yamunotri followed by Uttarkashi, considered the centre of Chardham Yatra. Kedarnath is your next halt, from where you will proceed to Badrinath to commemorate your pilgrimage of the Chardham.


Almora is a famous hill station in the heart of Himalaya and a picturesque district in the Kumaun region. Almora is one of the major districts of Uttarakhand. In Almora, there are various places to see. Almora Uttarakhand is known as Dev Bhumi. There are various old temples to visit. Some of the most famous tourist destinations of Almora are :

Chitai Temple: Dedicated to Lord Golu, people of Kumau worship him. It is a very busy area.

Bright End Corner: It is another major tourist destination of Almora famous for sunset and the sunrise seen through the Himalayan peaks.

Nanda Devi Temple: A 1000 year old temple is one of the main tourist spots of Almora. Every year a dance festival is held here.

Binsar Mahadev Mandir is famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Rudreshwar Mahadev Mandir (near Sanara Ganiya) a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the newest temples in Dev Bhumi Uttarakhand.

Simtola - Almora is a famous picnic spot in Almora, Uttarakhand.

Dwarhat, Ranikhet, Nainital are the excursions around Almora.

For your best stay, there are various resorts and hotels. Some of them are

Kalmatia Sangam Resort, Almora Mountain Resort, Almora


Nandadevi Rajjat Yatra-World Famous Festival of Uttarakhand India:
Nandadevi Rajjaat is one of the world famous festivals of Uttarakhand. People from entire Garhwal-Kumaon as well as other parts of India and the world participate in Nandadevi Rajjaat Yatra. Goddess Nanda Devi is worshipped at dozens of places in Kumaon, but the region around Mt. Nanda Devi and its sanctuary, which falls in the districts of Pithoragarh, Almora and Chamoli, is the prime area related to Nanda Devi. In Chamoli Nanda Devi Rajjaat is organized once in 12 years.
The jaat starts from Nauti village near Karnprayag and goes upto the heights of Roopkund and Haemkund with a four horned sheep. After the havan-yagna is over, the sheep is freed with decorated ornaments, food and clothings and the other offerings are dischared. People also celebrate the annual Nanda jaat. Though in the Johar region there is no tradition of Nanda Rajjaat but the worship, dance and the ritual of collecting Brahmkamals (it is called Kaul Kamphu) is part of Nanda festivals. It is one of the festival in which people covers such a long walking distance because of this it comes under a unique record.

Nainital - Abode of Goddess Naina
The mythological story behind formation of Nainital lake, which is known ‘Rishi Sarovar’, is that it was made by three rishis (Saints) namely Atri, Pulastya and Pulah. Mr BD Pande writes in his book ‘Kumaon ka Itihas’. These three rishis were climbing from Chitrasila to up hills Gargachal (Gaula) and were very thirsty. There was no water around. Hence, they dug the pit and remembered Mansarovar. Mansarovar released the water (underground) and filled the lake Rishi Sarovar or Nainital jheel. Since then, it is also called Rishi Sarovar (Lake of Saints) and considered as holy as Mansorovar. Another popular story is that one eye of goddess 'Sati' , spouse of Lord Shiva fell near the lake and thus the lake was named Naina (Eye) + Tal (Lake) = Naina tal which became later Nainital.


A VIEW OF OUTER NAINITAL (KAILAKHAN)
There are many places / spot of tourist interest as well as religious interest in Nainital. The famous temple of Goddess Naina Devi after whom the place is named, is situated at the bank of the lake in Mallital (Malla i.e. upper end of the lake). Devotees throng there everyday and special pooja is organized on Nanda Ashtami and also special celebrations are held during ‘Durgapuja’ in Dussera days.

A VIEW OF NAINA DEVI TEMPLE
Hanumangari, some 1.5 km from Bus stand is another famous place of worship with temples of lord Hanuman. In fact it is a cluster of many temples. It is located at such a beautiful place that one visiting there can remain fascinated in the beauty of nature for hours and forget everything. It gives pace of mind to anyone.

A VIEW OF HANUMANGARI TEMPLE GATE

Half a kilometers beyond Hanumangari, at the top of adjacent peak is located Shitali Devi temple. The all round view of Nanital slopes from Shitala Devi temple is deeply engrossing.

TEMPLE TRUST HAVE DEVELOPED THE PLACE
A VIEW OF SHITALA DEVI FROM HANUMANGARI During initial English period, a wine factory (beer bhatti) was there at the foothill, which was buried under landslide in nineteenth century. The place is now known as Birbhatti.

A MESMERISING VIEW OF BEERBHATTI FROM SUICIDE POINT

Suicide Point – One more step and you are gone down to 1-kilometer deep gorge.
SUICIDE POINT – HERE ENDS THE ROAD


FAMOUS MELA OF UTTRAKHAND
Gindi Mela
Gindi Mela is a major fair held in the southern part of Pauri Garhwal District in Uttaranchal. This fair is celebrated during the auspicious festival of Makara Sankranti. It is a major event, attracting people from far and near to the villages where this fair is celebrated.
The Gindi fair is synonymous with bravery, joy and competitive spirits. The word ‘gindi’ means ‘ball’ in the local language. As the name suggests, this fair is marked by a ball game. The game involves teams from two different villages. The main aim in this game is to capture the ball. The team that succeeds to get the ball over its side is declared the winner. The winning team takes home the ball, amidst celebrations and dances.

Vaikunta Chaturdashi Mela
Vaikunta Chaturdashi Mela is an annual event held at Kamleshwar Temple at Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal District of Uttaranchal. This fair is celebrated during Vaikunta Chaturdashi, which falls in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November).
As in most fairs, this fair also has its share of fun and merry-making, apart from some rituals and customs. On the night of Vaikunta Chaturdashi, childless couples visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, the deity of the temple. They offer their worship to the Shiva by lighting ‘diya’ (oil lamps). It is believed that by offering worship in this manner, on the auspicious event, they will be blessed with a child. The celebrations lasts for 5 days.

Bunkhal Kalinga Mela
Bunkhal Kalinga Mela is a famous fair celebrated at Bunkhal in Pauri Garhwal District of Uttaranchal. This event is held during the ‘Shukla Paksh’ (bright half) in the Hindu month of Margashirsh (November-December). It is dedicated to Goddess Kalinga.
Thousands of devotees throng to the temple dedicated to Goddess Kalinga, on the occasion of the Bunkhal Kalinga Mela. It is a belief among the local population that if a person prays to the goddess his/her wish will be fulfilled. Once the wish is fulfilled, the person must offer a sacrifice of a buffalo or goat. This fair is the occasion when the devotees offer the sacrifice of buffaloes and goats as a mark of their devotion.

Bissu Fair
Bissu Fair is held at the Jhanda ground in cantonment area in Dehradun District and is 3 km from Chakrata. It marks the harvesting season in the area.
The fair is a standing testimony for the cultural heritage and tradition of the Jaunsari tribe. Apart from the local populace, a large number of people from the neighboring districts of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur gather for the event.

Somnath Fair
Somnath Fair is celebrated in April at the Shiva temple at Masi in Almora, Uttaranchal. It is also known as Fish Festival.
During the fair, animals especially bullocks and cattle are sold. The villagers bearing tumors gather at the river to catch fish as a ritual. The festival is locally known as Dahau.

Shravan Mela at Jageshwar
Shravan Mela is organized at Jageshwar, near the famous Jageshwar Temple - one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The fair is held in Shravan (July-August), a rainy season month in the North Indian Hindu Calendar. During this fair, a large number of pilgrims congregate at Jageshwar and take a holy dip in the Jataganga River and in the Brahmakund tank near the temple complex. Jageshwar is also famous for Mahashivaratri Fair in February-March.

Doonagiri Mela
Doonagiri Mela is an important fair held in Almora District of Uttaranchal. It takes place at the famous Durga Temple in Doonagiri, about 52 km north of Ranikhet.
This mela is usually celebrated during the festival of Navratri. Thousands of devotees from far and near throng the temple during this fair.

Kasar Devi Mela
Kasar Devi Mela is a colorful fair celebrated twice a year during the summer and winter months in Almora, Uttaranchal. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda gained enlightenment in a small cave near Kasar Devi Temple.

Chaittol Fair
Chaittol is a major fair celebrated in the rural belts of Pithoragarh District in Uttaranchal. It is observed on the eight and ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). This fair is dedicated to a local deity called Deval Samet. Preceding this fair is special ritual called Bhitola (also called Bhetna), in which a brother gifts his sister with a present or a token amount.
On the auspicious occasion of Chaittol, a person is chosen for being the human medium to be possessed by the deity. This possessed person is given the status of the deity and carried on a ‘dola’ (palanquin) in a procession. Other items carried in the procession include a ‘nissan’ (religious symbol), golden ‘janevo’ (holy thread), ‘morpankh’ (peacock feathers), tails of the ‘chanwar gay’ (holy cow), silver ‘dhagula’ (bracelets), ‘chunni’(a length of cloth), traditional costumes and a length of rope. The rope is meant for balancing the palanquin while traversing through the hilly terrains.
The person possessed by the deity is believed to have the ability to exorcise evil spirits using his brush, which is made using the hairs from the tail of a cow. In the trance state he dances in the Tandava Nritya style, which is a vigorous dance form attributed to Lord Shiva.
Accompanying the religious rites are various merry-making activities. The people attending the fair assemble for singing and dancing together to the beats of folk drums. This entertainment activity is known as ‘khel’ in the local slang.

Kang Dali Festival
The festival of Kang Dali is celebrated by the Shauka tribe of Uttaranchal. The Shaukas inhabit the Chaudas, Vyas and Darma valley in Pithoragarh District.
According to folklore, a boy died on applying the paste of the root of a local shrub called Kang-Dali, on his boil. Following his death, his mother cursed the shrub that the women of the tribe will pull it up when in full bloom, every 12 years. It is believed that since then, a victory dance is performed every 12 years after decimating this shrub in bloom. After the victory dance and the extermination of the shrub, the festival is concluded with a feast.